The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time due to a lack of reliable information to provide a reasonably sound basis for estimating the impact of the bill on the number of license to carry applications.
However, the Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates annual revenue from License to Carry a Handgun fees at $11.8 million, some or all of which could be lost depending on the impact of the bill.
The bill would amend and repeal various provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm.
The bill would make the unlawful carrying of certain age-restricted weapons a Class C misdemeanor offense.
According
to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), while there has been a steady and
significant growth in the License to Carry program, there is a scarcity of data
regarding the choices current or future handgun license holders may make
regarding their preferences for obtaining a license or renewing a license that
is not required. Additionally, public interest in a license to carry is
affected by state and national events, which can cause significant increases in
the number of applications. Based on the information provided by DPS, the fiscal
impact of the bill cannot be determined due to a lack of reliable information
to provide a reasonably sound basis for estimating the impact of the bill on
the number of license to carry applications.
However, the Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates $11.8 million in annual revenue from License to Carry a Handgun fees. Some or all of that amount could be lost depending on the impact of the bill.
This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions for criminal offenses would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies.
According to the Office of Court Administration, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
A Class C misdemeanor under the bill is punishable by a fine of not more than $200. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.